Can I Fire My Attorney?

Q: Can I fire my attorney?

Yes. You generally have the right to change or fire your attorney at any time. Before you do, review your fee agreement for terms about ending representation and costs. If your case is on a contingency fee, you typically won’t owe two full fees—your former and new attorneys usually resolve payment between themselves (often from the final recovery) based on their work and any lien rights. Ask for your case file and have your new lawyer coordinate the transfer and notify the court if a lawsuit is filed. Be mindful of deadlines so there’s no gap in representation or missed statute of limitations.

firing-attorney

When you take your legal issue to an attorney, you expect that he or she will take care of your interests and do his or her best to make your case. Sometimes, however, things don’t work out. Like any relationship, personalities can clash, or expectations may be unreasonable. You may not feel like your attorney is doing enough to advance your case or you may feel ignored.

If you are thinking about firing your attorney, consider several options before terminating your relationship. For example, do you have another attorney you would like to retain instead? Or will you be left without representation? Read on to find out what you should consider before firing your attorney.

Would You Have the Same Issues with Another Attorney?

Before switching to a new lawyer, carefully consider the reasons you want to change. If you are unhappy because your lawyer refuses to do what you want, it may be because what you want is not possible. Sometimes claims that we think we should be able to make are actually prohibited by various laws or ethical considerations. If your attorney refuses to do what you want, ask for a legal explanation. If you still believe that a course of action is reasonable or if you find another attorney who would be able to do what you ask, then it may be wise to hire new counsel.

Would Changing Lawyers Hurt Your Case?

Timing is everything when it comes to changing attorneys. If your current attorney has not yet begun your case, then it is easier to hire a new attorney. Keep in mind that your new attorney will have to catch up to where your prior attorney left off. As your case progresses and your attorney does more work to prepare your case, it becomes more difficult to change counsel. Still, it is possible.

Are You Unhappy with Your Lawyer’s Communications?

The most common complaint about attorneys is a lack of responsiveness. If you cannot communicate with your attorney and he or she does not respond to your questions or phone calls, it may be time to find a new lawyer. Consider before you do, however, if your demands are reasonable. Many attorneys manage hundreds of clients and simply do not have time to talk to each client every day. If you hire a new attorney, choose someone who is known for having the level of communication that you desire.

What Happens After You Fire Your Attorney?

If you fire your attorney, you still will be responsible to pay for the work that he or she already completed. If your lawyer was on a contingency fee, talk to your new attorney about how you will have to pay the previous attorney’s fees. Failing to pay your legal bill could result in a lawsuit against you.

Once you fire your attorney, you will be unrepresented. You can choose to go forward with your case on your own or you can hire a new lawyer. If your case has already started, be aware that the other side will continue to file motions and move the case forward even if it takes you a while to find new counsel. For that reason, make sure you decide on a course of action prior to firing your current lawyer. If you retain a new attorney before firing your old attorney, your new lawyer can take care of the firing process for you.

The attorneys at Hensley Legal Group represent clients who have been injured in all types of accidents. Call our office or contact us online to set up a free initial consultation.

Tammy Brooks

I cannot recommend Hensley Legal Group enough. Following my car accident, I was overwhelmed by my injury and medical bills... From day one, their team handled everything, allowing me to focus on my recovery. They were communicative, compassionate, and always kept me in the loop... They secured a settlement that covered all my expenses and exceeded my expectations.

Freddie Kincaid

If I ever meet anyone that needs a personal injury attorney, I tell them to hire Hensley! I can’t express my gratitude enough for this firm. I don’t know what I would have done without Spencer and the things he did for me.

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Linda Preston

Highly recommend Hensley Legal Group! Working with the team at Hensley Legal Group, PC was an incredible experience. They fought hard to get me every dollar I deserved and helped me get my money back. What I appreciated most was their loyalty—they stayed with me through the entire process and never left my side until the very end. If you need a firm that truly cares and goes the distance, call them!

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Tony Mitchel

Hensley group was great throughout the entire process. They contacted and dealt with the insurance companies and the medical industry. They were sincerely caring about my health and needs

Abdalla Ahmed

Cory Clear

All I had to do was reach out to Hensley and get them my information. They handled the rest. And they handled it like a pro. Hensley was great. I would recommend them to anyone who needs a good personal injury firm.

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Elaine Pippens

They not only work hard on your case but treat you with respect. They make sure you understand what is happening and what to expect. I have full confidence in their legal abilities, and I am thankful for all the help they have given me.

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Susan Jones

I have been absolutely thrilled with the work done by my Hensley lawyer. I applied for disability, and with their expert help, I was approved in record time. They are incredibly knowledgeable about the process and I am happy I decided to retain their services, rather than trying to go it alone. They are compassionate and quick to respond to inquiries. I cannot say enough good things about them!

Alixandra Brianne

Trying to navigate all the factors after my accident was very difficult. Hensley came in and streamlined everything for me. They made sure I understood every step of the process, and they were constantly checking on me. I knew I was in good hands. While I hope to never need an accident lawyer again, I would always choose Hensley

Dawna King

I was impressed at how easily the entire team was able to answer all of my questions and put me at ease with my case. I feel so blessed to have chosen Hensley. They walked me through the whole process and made things easy to understand. I highly recommend them. They are skillful, professional, and very knowledgeable. Choosing Hensley was the best decision of my life.

Joseph Smith

My experience was more than what I expected. I was guided through the process every step of the way, and anytime I had a question I received an answer in a timely manner. I strongly recommend hensley. Thank you for all the help.

Alondra Orellana

I am extremely grateful for the professionalism, dedication, and support I received throughout my case. My attorney and the entire team were knowledgeable, responsive, and truly cared about achieving the best outcome possible. They kept me informed every step of the way and made a stressful situation much easier to navigate. I highly recommend this firm to anyone in need of legal assistance.

Jean-Pierre Priso

Hensley Legal Group helped me diligently after my accident on the highway. They followed through with my case very respectfully and responsibly... I highly recommend Hensley Legal Group to anyone who was injured in a car accident.

Cindy Parks

The help and expertise I received from HLG with my disability was beyond helpful! My emails were answered promptly, and they calmed all the anxiety I had with the disability process. They handled all the paperwork for me, and because of them, I got my approval very quickly. Highly recommend them for anyone applying for disability.

Kathleen Heuer

HLG are the best team to go to, whether it be trying to get disability or being in a car accident. They were there for me. No matter how many times I messaged them or had a question, they was there. Never having been in a car accident before, HLG is the team you need!

Sherry Stettler

The Hensley Legal Group helped my husband get his disability after a short time. We would like to thank you and we appreciate your professionalism!

Stephanie Cornelius

Hensley Legal Group handled my Disability claim. I was totally pleased with my experience with them. They were very professional and made the whole process very easy for me. Iw ill absolutely use Hensley Legal Group for any other legal issue I may have! I would give them 10 stars!!

Brad Eastes

This team was very diligent in swift response to my initial call and after referring me to one call to Social Security for some info to file, I give my strongest recommendation to any one who can use the services they provide!

Robin Verlinden

We have used Hensley Legal Group for an auto injury case and for a social security disability case and were very pleased with the outcome. Chris Czernik and Katrina Hildebrandt and their teams were kind, compassionate, and helpful. We would highly recommend them to anyone in need of assistance.

Williams Widina

My attorney is experienced and very knowledgeable about the nuances of labor law. It feels great to have such a skilled attorney on your side. I truly believe that they have The Strength to Make a Difference. I highly recommend using The Hensley Group.

Jason Kimmerling

The whole team was very professional and sincere. They really were concerned about closing my case before my injuries were healed and making sure to cover all bases regarding my accident.

Dion Hazelbaker

The whole team was very professional and sincere. They really were concerned about closing my case before my injuries were healed and making sure to cover all bases regarding my accident.

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Leslie Newland

I was in an accident involving three totaled vehicles and ultimately one fatality. I’d never been in a situation like this before and didn’t know where to even start. So glad I called Hensley! They were so easy to work with and I’m sure got far more for me than I would’ve been able to get myself. They were kind, professional, and got the job done!

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